Recently, Konkol, 37, of Greene Township, was repairing the cast-iron columns on a late-Victorian-era home at 540 W. Eighth St.

"A job like this is very challenging," he said. "Cast iron is a whole different creature."

Konkol is covered in Viking tattoos, but that's not the most striking thing about his appearance. He was also wearing a kilt while he worked.

"It is called a Utilikilt," Konkol said. "I'm a practical American, and the kilt is as practical as it gets. It gives me more freedom. I even wear it in the winter. If it gets too cold, I put on some tights underneath."

Asked what he usually wears under the kilt, Konkol said, "If I'm on a ladder and you're modest, don't look up."